Maureen MacInnis
Candidate for Director, Canadian Region
Position: Mathematics teacher and mathematics department head, Charles P. Allen High School, Bedford, Nova Scotia (2009–).
Education: B.Sci. (biology) and B.Ed. (secondary education), St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia; Certificate in Mathematical Studies for Educators, St. Mary’s University, Nova Scotia.
Previous Experience: Mathematics and physics teacher, Halifax Regional School Board (Millwood High School, Lockview High School, Queen Elizabeth High School, and Citadel High School) (1990 –2009); physics teacher, St. Michael's High School (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) (1986–88).
Memberships: NCTM, Nova Scotia Mathematics Teachers Association (NSMTA).
Activities in NCTM: Member, Program Committee, Annual Meeting, Boston, 2015; chair (2013–14) and Canadian representative (2011–14), Affiliate Services Committee.
Other Activities: NSMTA: on-site chair, annual conference (2012–), past president (2010–13), president (2008–10), secretary (2001–08).
Publications: “The Human Unit Circle,” Mathematics Teacher (2014).
Honors: Nominee, Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2015; in process).
Statement: Twenty-first-century students require 21st-century teachers. As a classroom teacher, I value most in my students their willingness to reason, to think critically, and to persevere. My greatest resource has been NCTM. I regard NCTM as my classroom—where I come to learn.
NCTM does an incredible job of providing resources to its members. Still, I believe NCTM has a role to play in encouraging students (and some adults) to see the beauty and the power of mathematics beyond the lesson provided or the grade received on a report card. Mathematics is embedded in our daily lives, it is the foundation of inquiry and innovation, and it is accessible to all. Furthermore, NCTM should emphasize more prominently its role in developing peer-reviewed, peer-driven resources that can be depended upon as being accurate, up-to-date, challenging, and appropriate.
One of the greatest challenges that NCTM faces is that of declining membership. Funding sources for membership fees and conferences are drying up. I believe it is important for NCTM to market itself as the global leader in mathematics education to capture the opportunities that are still available. Districts such as my own in Nova Scotia continue to have available funding for professional development. NCTM should be proactive in seeking out these funding opportunities and putting resources into direct marketing to these districts. Creating a larger presence in the United States, Canada, and abroad can only benefit the organization and all of its members. As the Canadian representative to the NCTM Board of Directors, I will bring perspective, passion and a positive outlook.